Illinois is preparing to introduce legalization soon after two key Chicago Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Kelly Cassidy have met with interested groups around the state. A revitalizing bill has been introduced by Democratic Representative Carol Ammons from Urbana, that could open the door to a much more expansive legal pot industry than most have envisioned.

Illinois is preparing to introduce legalization soon after two key Chicago Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Heather Steans and Rep. Kelly Cassidy have met with interested groups around the state. A revitalizing bill has been introduced by Democratic Representative Carol Ammons from Urbana, that could open the door to a much more expansive legal pot industry than most have envisioned. The “Cannabis Legalization Equity Act,” is to legalize the use of cannabis for individuals aged 21 or older and provide for its taxation in a manner similar to alcohol. The proposal covers civil penalties, census tracks, cannabis study research, revenue for the state, and possession. The act would provide for the licensing of cultivation facilities, retail dispensaries, and allow individuals to grow as many as 24 plants in their own homes for personal consumption. A recent study found that legalization would create 24,000 jobs in Illinois, as well as generate more than $500 million in tax revenue and infuse about $1 billion into the state economy overall by 2020. The Cannabis Legalization Equity Act sounds rewarding for the state of Illinois but legalization for the state may be facing some resistance. Legalizing recreational marijuana happens to be one of the top priorities of Governer J.B Pritzker’s, who was recently inaugurated as Illinois 43rd governor on Monday, January 14th, 2019. The backing from Democratic majorities in both the state house and senate makes cannabis legalization a big possibility placing Illinois in the spotlight of reformation since his inauguration.